AGREEMENT
ADDRESSES WATER NEEDS OF
YAMPA RIVER BASIN RESIDENTS AND
PROMOTES RECOVERY OF ENDANGERED FISHES

Lakewood,
Colo.—The Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (Recovery
Program) announced today the signing of a cooperative agreement that
launched implementation of a management plan to help ensure that current
and future water needs are met for people in the Yampa River Basin while
promoting recovery of four species of endangered Colorado River fish --
the humpback chub, bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker.
The agreement was signed by the States of Colorado and Wyoming, the
Colorado River Water Conservation District and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service).

The Recovery
Program developed the management plan after nearly a decade of close
collaboration with the Yampa River Basin Partnership and other Yampa
Valley residents. As a component of the Recovery Program, the plan
cooperatively addresses endangered species recovery and water development
in the Yampa
River Basin and its tributaries in Colorado and Wyoming. The plan
reflects both current and projected water needs in the Yampa
River Basin through the year 2045, and commits the cooperating parties and
the Recovery Program to implement management actions to benefit the
endangered and other native fish species.

Located in
northwest Colorado,
the Yampa River is regarded as one of the most important tributaries in
the Upper Colorado River Basin for recovery of the four endangered fish
species. This is primarily due to its relatively unaltered patterns of
seasonal flows and habitat which are important to the endangered fishes’
life cycle.

“As the
largest tributary to the Green River,
the Yampa River is one of the crown jewels of the Upper Colorado River
system,” said Recovery Program Director Bob Muth. “In addition to
directly providing habitat, it delivers flows and sediment downstream to
the
Green River, helping to maintain a river system with hundreds of miles of
habitat considered vital to the recovery of the endangered fishes.”

The plan is
intended to offset the impacts of water depletions on endangered fishes.
It identifies Recovery Program activities to augment base river flows,
manage nonnative fish populations, evaluate the impacts of existing
diversion structures, stock endangered fishes and monitor habitat and fish
populations.

“The State
of
Colorado
will greatly benefit from this agreement,” said Colorado Department of
Natural Resources Executive Director Russell George, who signed the
agreement on behalf of the State of Colorado. “It allows for the sound
management of water resources in the Yampa
River Basin to meet the needs of local citizens and support river flow
conditions for the endangered Colorado River fishes. The plan’s
management actions will also benefit other native fish populations and
help the State achieve its dual goals of conserving threatened and
endangered species while providing for recreational fishing
opportunities.”

Another
signatory to the Agreement, the Colorado River Water Conservation
District, helped develop the plan in accordance with Colorado water law
and interstate compacts.

"The use of water for current and future economic development in the
Yampa
River Basin can coexist with the recovery of endangered species," said
Colorado River Water Conservation District General Manager Eric Kuhn. "By
cooperating with reasonable partners and implementing creative solutions,
we're ensuring all species, including humans, have a more promising future
in this region."

As a
Recovery Program partner, the State of Wyoming’s interest in the
Cooperative Agreement stems from the flow of water from Wyoming’s Little
Snake River into the Yampa
River.

“As
Wyoming’s population and demands increase, we see tremendous benefits from
the ESA compliance this plan provides,” said Pat Tyrrell, Wyoming State
Engineer. “This is consistent with Governor Freudenthal’s emphasis on
continued development of water resources to benefit all citizens of Wyoming.”

The
agreement will remain in effect as long as any of the four endangered fish
species remains listed under the ESA. Prior to removing any fish species
from ESA protection, conservation plans must be in place to ensure the
long-term survival of the species.

“The Service
is extremely appreciative of the cooperative relationships established
with the States of Colorado and Wyoming, as well as residents of the
Yampa
River Basin,” said Mountain-Prairie Regional Director Ralph Morgenweck.
“It is not easy to develop a multi-purpose plan like this, especially when
it involves water. Implementation of this plan demonstrates the
dedication of both states and their residents toward sound management of
the Yampa River well into the future.”

The Recovery
Program is a voluntary, cooperative program whose purpose is to recover
the endangered fishes while water development proceeds in accordance with
federal and state laws and interstate compacts. For more information,
303-969-7322, ext. 227, or
coloradoriverrecovery.fws.gov. The YampaRiver
Management Plan and accompanying documents are available at
http://www.r6.fws.gov/crrip/yampa.htm.